Replies

1. 
   Rich14 | Jan 27, 2010 06:36am | #1

   Chendu,

   Having no idea the quality of your guitar, I don't know the quality of its sound. But painting will probably seriously affect the acoustic properties of the soundboard (top) and back.

   The original finish is sprayed lacquer (perhaps a special varnish). The dark banding around the edges is tinted lacquer (or varnish) carefully sprayed in a "sunburst" pattern.

   You really should not attempt to put paint on the instrument. As you have found, sanding through the finish has revealed fillers and possibly an undercoat to even out very uneven, low-grade wood. It is also very possible that the instrument (if inexpensive) is made of wood plys and the surface veneer is very thin. You could sand right through it.

   If after careful sanding you have not actually removed a veneer surface, you could use dyes to darken the wood, then finish with lacquer or shellac.

   Rich

2. 
   jhonbaker | Jan 27, 2010 12:10pm | #2

   Altering the surface finish on The back and sides will not affect the sound in any noticeable way. You can actually amke the sides and back out of almost anything so long as the internal structure and face are quality. The face of the guitar is what you want to be careful with. I would not suggest changing it at all.

   If you REALLY want to I would first need to know as much as you do about the guitar to be of any more help.

1. 
   chendu12 | Jan 27, 2010 02:12pm | #3

   hey sorry i can't give you
   hey sorry i can't give you any more information, everything i know is already listed above. I also am not really concerned about the sound of the quality, as I have a much better acoustic, and have stopped using this one for quite some time, and am very keen on painting it.

   I have finished sanding the entire guitar now, and it looks good. I just want to know what dying the guitar for a darker walnut finish will do to the sunburst design around the edges?

1. 
   jhonbaker | Jan 27, 2010 02:52pm | #4

   Continuing to stain the guitar to achieve a darker finish will darken appearance equally - so the darker edges will be darker then the inner still. Have you tried to strip the finish with a chemical stripper? If you are really keen on painting it then go ahead and use a black or whatever colour lacquer paint. it would be unusual but it may improve the sound if you do a good job. Also, while you have it without strings and in the shop - look around inside to see if there are any loose pieces and fix them while it is convenient. You never mention the maker of the guitar - isn't it on the inside label?

3. 
   RichClark | Jan 30, 2010 11:17pm | #5

   Sheesh, IF you care you would determine what the finish is.

   If you want to just paint it then go to an auto parts store and buy the color you want.

   You have a few folks groaning as you post. Perhaps seek out a Luthier site?

   You might be ruining something that you think is ugly and others cherish? or if as you say.. "I have a better one", then You need to know if you have removed all the "what ever finish it is" or your staining wont work so great.. If you don't care buy a can of Shellac to seal it. Then use a "GEL" based stain and let it sit for a bit and then rub the excess off carefully and let it dry.. if you like it stop.. If you want it deeper then repeat. Once your happy

   put an additional coat of shellac on it and let it sit a day or two. Sand it gently with 400 grit and then using a linen cloth with wool or some extra linen inside, make a pad to apply the last coat. Once its set for an hour or so use some buffing compound (autoparts store again) to shine it up to spec. (Buffing stuff like the kind to "fix Light Lenses, or remove Swirl marks).. will make it look brand new.

   Rich